Petition · past parliament

Limit the tenure of any speaker of the House of Commons to a maximum of 7 years

Closed 508 signatures

What the petition asks

This key role in the House of Commons can impact hugely on UK democracy. Speakers are re-elected after a general election. However as the UK now has 5 year fixed term parliaments, there are fewer opportunities to change the speaker, hence the need to limit tenure to a maximum of 7 years.
While a speaker can face a formal challenge immediately after a general election, traditionally sitting speakers are not challenged. Once in post there are few legal mechanisms for his/her removal other than trying to persuade him/her to resign. Until such time as Parliament devises new ways to ensure the Speaker's role is held accountable, it is important that we limit the tenure of this role.

Timeline

18 Apr 2019 Petition opened for signatures
18 Oct 2019 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 508
Status Closed
Opened 18 Apr 2019
Closed 18 Oct 2019

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.